United States Department of Energy; ensure the feasibility of tankless water heaters; urge
Impact
The resolution points to potential job losses and economic disadvantages for Georgia if new regulations restrict the availability of non-condensing tankless water heaters. The sales of these heaters have already shown to contribute to significant energy savings and reductions in carbon emissions over the years. As such, any move to limit their production could hinder both local employment and state economic growth, especially within the manufacturing sector.
Summary
Senate Resolution 836 addresses the importance of ensuring the feasibility of tankless water heaters by urging the United States Department of Energy to amend a proposed rule that may affect their market viability. This resolution highlights the significant contributions of Rinnai America, which operates a major manufacturing facility in Georgia, employing 122 workers. The company emphasizes its commitment to energy-efficient technologies, notably its non-condensing tankless water heaters, which are shown to be highly efficient, achieving over 80% rates in energy conservation.
Contention
While the resolution itself is not a binding law, it reflects broader concerns among lawmakers about how federal regulations might lead to technological infeasibility for certain efficient products. The bipartisan support behind the resolution indicates an acknowledgment of the balance needed between energy conservation standards and maintaining consumer choices that benefit both consumers and local economies. The bill, thus, touches on substantial debates surrounding energy policy, consumer rights, and economic practices in the manufacturing industry.
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters".
This joint resolution nullifies the rule titled Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters and submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) on December 26, 2024. Under the rule, DOE adopted amended energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters to achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that DOE determined was technologically feasible and economically justified.
An act to add Section 4737 to the Civil Code, and to add Chapter 7.5 (commencing with Section 51297.50) to Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 5 of the Government Code, relating to housing.
Urging regional transmission organizations, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the United States Department of Energy, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, and the United States
Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to study the feasibility of installing flashing warning signals at certain intersections along United States Highway 61
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE); to reinstate and fully fund radiological and water quality protections for the Savannah River and surrounding communities; urge
Urging the U.S. Department of State and the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission to take appropriate action to ensure that Mexico complies with the 1944 Treaty regarding shared water resources.